Christmas is in full swing in our home and all our children are headed here soon. The exterior illumination is up, trees are decorated, stockings are hung, and shopping has begun. We have always used the tangible, traditional things of Christmas to teach the real reason for the season.
Examples:
- While decorating the tree share that the evergreen tree reminds us of the everlasting love Jesus has for us. The tree is like a big birthday cake for Jesus and the lights are the candles. The lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world (As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”John 9:5) and that “God lights our darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29)
- While wrapping gifts share “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) Point out that because it is Jesus’ birthday we give gifts. Jesus said when we give to one another it is the same as giving to him. (And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40) Share “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Make sure your children are involved in making or purchasing gifts to give so they are not just on the receiving end of the gifts. Also point out that giving is not only things, but he can give love, friendship, help, and joy.
- Make sure your children hear the Christmas story from the Bible often. It’s fine to tell them the pretend stories of Santa and elves, Rudolph and Frosty, but be sure to tell the true story of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, Shepherds, etc. Also help them understand the true story of Santa. He loved Jesus so much that he wanted to give to others. A good book about Santa is “Santa, Are You for Real? “ by Harold Myra.
Begin some family traditions that your children will cherish and carry on after they have families of their own. Here are some of our family’s:
- Make a December calendar with all the special events listed or pictured. Mark off each day till Christmas.
- Make decorating the tree a family affair. Sing as you decorate.
- Put the Christmas cards you receive in a basket and choose one each day to pray for the family who sent it.
- Have a birthday party for Jesus complete with birthday cupcakes, candles, and singing Happy Birthday. Also, we draw pictures of what we want to thank Jesus for and wrap it up each year. Every year at the birthday party we open up the present for Jesus we wrapped up the year before and see what we put in.
- Plan a night for all the family to sleep under the tree. Go to sleep listening to Christmas carols after Dad has read the Christmas Story.
- Choose a family who has had a hard year to show some special kindness to in some way.
- Make Christmas cookies together and give to the neighbors.
- Make Christmas ornaments to add to your tree or to give away. (Recipe for clay dough: 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/3 cup of water. Mix salt and flour, add water a little at a time. Mix with hands. After cutting out with Christmas cookie cutters, bake in 225 degree oven for 15 minutes on each side.)
- Look at pictures from previous Christmases
- The Christmas Web
- Act out the Christmas story. Involve the whole family including pets, dolls, stuffed animals
- Memorize a different scripture each week related to Christmas:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
God loved us and sent His Son. 1 John 4:10
It’s better to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
The shepherds praised God. Luke 2:20
Search this website for ways to take the traditions of Christmas and use them to Keep Christ in Christmas during the 25 days of December.
